Adaptive Reuse Office Architecture: Astroscale US Headquarters by Neoera

A Space Industry Pioneer in a Historic Structure

Astroscale’s new U.S. headquarters in Denver is a stellar example of adaptive reuse office architecture that redefines workplace design in the space industry. Designed by Neoera, a women-led architecture firm based in Denver, the project transforms a 1910 industrial train depot into a vibrant, collaborative, and thematically rich environment for a company focused on space sustainability.

The 13,500-square-foot space merges innovation with history, offering a workplace that simultaneously respects its architectural heritage and embodies the futuristic vision of Astroscale. Located in Denver’s South Broadway district, the design maintains the original heavy timber and masonry of the historic depot while integrating modern spatial strategies and materials that speak to the company’s mission and cultural roots.

Merging Japanese Culture with Space Innovation

Neoera’s design draws clear inspiration from Astroscale’s Japanese origins. Pivoting and sliding Shoji screens made from translucent blue polycarbonate create flexible communal and presentation spaces while evoking traditional Japanese design principles. These screens serve as spatial dividers that allow for adaptable environments, reflecting both cultural sensitivity and functionality.

The office layout also takes cues from satellite structures. The central bay serves as a metaphorical control hub, echoing the operational core of a satellite. It houses vital community functions including a kitchen, library, Mission Operations room, and boardroom. The north and south wings—designed as the “solar panels” of the layout—provide workspace infused with thematic identity and character.

Thematic Zones and Community-Driven Design

Astroscale’s headquarters is more than a workplace—it is a cultural and experiential environment. Each section is tailored to enrich employee engagement and inspire creativity. In the north and south bays, private and open offices are enhanced with science fiction themes: a Star Trek-inspired cocktail bar and a Star Wars-themed lounge offer playful and immersive zones for relaxation and informal collaboration. These are centered around a sunken dining area that anchors communal interaction.

In the central bay, openness and light define the heart of the space. This area is designed to foster a sense of community through shared experiences—whether it’s over coffee, reading in the open library, or watching satellite data in real-time in the Mission Operations room.

Workspace Innovation and Interior Character

The office embraces innovation not only in form but in function. Custom-designed boomerang-shaped desks support various configurations and collaboration modes, making the layout flexible to both teams and individuals. The interior palette reflects a joyful departure from the sterile aesthetics of typical aerospace offices. Colorful furniture, ambient lighting, and natural materials inject warmth and vibrancy into the work environment.

By offering an imaginative alternative to conventional office planning, the space promotes creativity and well-being. Employees are not just accommodated—they are inspired and energized by the design.

Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse as Core Values

The headquarters stands as a beacon of adaptive reuse office architecture, showing how an old structure can be reimagined for a high-tech, future-oriented company. The reuse of the 1910 industrial depot not only preserves cultural and architectural heritage but also aligns with Astroscale’s mission of sustainability. The integrity of the original structure remains intact, with timber beams and masonry walls providing a tactile connection to the past.

Neoera’s approach illustrates how design can reflect a company’s identity while also contributing to broader environmental goals. The building does not just house innovation; it physically represents it through sustainable practices and thoughtful reuse.

A Workplace That Embodies Vision

Astroscale’s Denver headquarters is more than an office—it is a cultural landmark and an architectural narrative of progress. Through its adaptive reuse, inventive layout, and strong thematic coherence, the building exemplifies how architecture can embody an organization’s ethos.

The headquarters isn’t merely a place of business; it’s a curated environment where innovation, history, and community converge. Neoera has crafted a space that honors legacy while projecting Astroscale’s vision of the future—where sustainability, space technology, and people co-exist harmoniously.

All Photographs are works of Justin Martin